Brunel University Among UK’s Top 50 Employers for Supporting LGBTQ+ Workforce
The Top 100 Employers list from Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity for LGBTQ+ rights, is based on their yearly Workplace Equality Index (WEI), an anonymous survey of all staff experiences of diversity and inclusion. It helps demonstrate to prospective staff that organisations are an inclusive and affirmative place to work for LGBTQ+ people.
The WEI covers areas such as how rigorous policies are to combat discrimination, bullying and harassment; the activities of LGBTQ+ network groups; how LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to become active role models; and the positive impact of all these practices on the wider community.
In the Top 100 Employers list 2024, released today, Brunel is placed 43rd among all of the UK employers who took part, up from its previous record high of 88th last year, and is the 10th-placed university.
Jessica Kath, the coordinator of Brunel’s LGBTQ+ Staff network, said: “Making Brunel a place for our staff and students to be themselves is at the heart of all the work we do as the LGBTQ+ Staff and Student Networks.
“Our positive result in the WEI again this year is a testament to this long-term commitment to make the campus a welcoming place for all, despite the very challenging social, political and media environment around LGBTQ+ issues in the UK and worldwide.
“Whether that is encouraging allies, uplifting the voices of LGBTQ+ people or embedding equality at the heart of policies, Brunel is committed to continuing our progress, and I extend my deepest thanks to the leaders at every level who work tirelessly to make this possible.”
Prof Royona Mitra, Brunel’s Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, added: “I recognise, appreciate, and applaud the relentless and impassioned efforts of Brunel’s LGBTQ+ Staff and Student Networks, their leads, and all individuals across our community who are committed to making Brunel an LGBTQ+ affirmative environment to work and study at.
“Given the ongoing hostilities aimed at members of the LGBTQ+ communities in the UK, particularly at trans communities, this recognition is significant. It is also an important reminder, that our institutional efforts continue beyond such national recognition; that we renew and clarify our LGBTQ+ affirmative vision and practices as we move forward, in order to do better by all our LGBTQ+ communities at Brunel, every day.”
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall, said: “By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves.”